BLOG: A look back at some of the best performers of "March Madness"

As basketball season officially came to a close last night, I remain in the "March Madness" spirit. Let's look back at a few of the best (in no particular order) performers of the prep basketball season that helped make 2015 another great year in NELA high school hoops.

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(Photo: EMERALD MCINTYRE/ THE NEWS-STAR)

Abby Lee, West Monroe, Sr. - The senior guard was a four-year starter that was as smart off the court (scholarship to Columbia University) as she was brilliant on it in 2015. Lee averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds per contest for the Lady Rebels. Lee was the main weapon for the second half of the season after fellow senior Samarius Colquitt went down with a leg injury and missed most of the district schedule.

Alexus Holt, Epps, Jr. - Holt led the Lady Panthers to the Class C semifinals, the only Northeast Louisiana girls team to reach Lake Charles and the girls Top 28. Holt averaged 22.9 points per game in 2015 and was named state Class C Most Valuable Player. Holt still has one more year of eligibility to continue wrecking havoc on Class C.

Cephus Gix, Ouachita, Soph. - Speaking of young players that made a big impression in 2015. Gix was the most dynamic scorer in the area during the season. With the unique ability to play the point or the 2-guard slot, Gix was not limited to hurting opponents from a couple areas of the court. Gix was lethal as a shooter and a slasher to the basket, routinely getting to the free throw line with his moves to the hoop. Gix averaged 21.4 points , 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.

Jamarion Johnson, Rayville, Sr. - Johnson was the driving force behind Rayville reaching the 3A semifinals for the first time since 2004. Johnson 18.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game for the Hornets. Johnson was as good as anyone in the area around the basket and brought a football toughness to rebounding that few teams could match.

Javier Roper, New Living Word, Sr. - The Class C championship game Most Outstanding Player, Roper finished his prep career with back-to-back Class C state championships. Roper averaged 19 points per game his senior season and will be headed to Grambling State with a chance to make an immediate offensive impact for the Tigers.

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